RICHARD Stearman has predicted a scrum for places in Mick McCarthy’s team for the opening day.

The versatile defender has enjoyed a fine pre-season both at right-back and in the centre.

But the arrival of Roger Johnson and the availability of Ronald Zubar after injury last season make his place far from certain.

“It’s going to be a big fight for the shirts at the start of the season and indeed throughout the season,” said the former Leicester City defender.

“We’ve got great strength in depth there now which can only drive us all on to perform better and try and get in the team.

“Hopefully I can perform well and manage to take one of those shirts.”

Stearman’s versatility could be viewed as a disadvantage.

He disagrees: “I’ve played at right-back and centre-back over the last couple of seasons and I think it’s sometimes good to prove your value to the team if you can play in different positions,” he said.

“I’m happy to play in either position when required and it’s the old saying about not minding as long as you are on that team-sheet.”

“It was great to play well at Celtic the other night and to get a win under our belts as well,” Stearman said.

“As a back five, and a team, it was also very pleasing to get a clean sheet. I know Celtic changed their team but we knew it would be a tough fixture.

“They’ve got a magnificent stadium and great support and their season has already started so they are a couple of weeks ahead of us in terms of preparation. And that makes it an even better result for us.”

Paul Jewell’s Championship side have invested heavily during the summer and will be a major test.

Stearman added: “It’s going to be another tough one. Ipswich are a week in front of us and have just a week left before the season so will want to put on a good performance.

“They’ll want to take us as a scalp so whatever team the gaffer puts out there we all know we’re in for a difficult game.”

“Of course he can be a regular for Scotland,” he said. “He played in a team that was scrapping all season long so he’s got that tough mentality. He’s a great character and he had a good season.

‘‘He felt he had his nose pushed out of joint because I left him out towards the end of the season, but everyone does when I leave them out.

“I was trying to find a formula to win some games and we took seven points from the last 12 so the decision was vindicated. He’s back in the side and he’s having a good pre-season so he needs to stay in the side.”